Tennessee ranks top 25 nationwide in all four NAEP subjects for first time

On February 11, 2025, the Tennessee State Legislature's Education Committee convened to discuss significant advancements in the state's educational performance, as highlighted by recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results. The meeting underscored Tennessee's remarkable progress over the past decade, culminating in its ranking among the top 25 states for all four assessed subjects—fourth and eighth-grade reading and math.

The committee celebrated Tennessee's achievement of ranking 13th nationally in fourth-grade math, with notable recognition that black students in Tennessee ranked first in the country for eighth-grade math. This progress is particularly significant given that Tennessee was once at the bottom of national rankings. The discussions emphasized the importance of these results as indicators of the effectiveness of educational policies and the hard work of educators across the state.

Alexis Parker, the director of data at Tennessee SCORE, elaborated on the NAEP assessment, describing it as a vital tool for measuring student performance across the nation. She noted that Tennessee has surpassed the national average in all four assessments for the first time, showcasing growth while many other states have stagnated or declined. This upward trend is particularly encouraging for underserved student groups, including economically disadvantaged students, who have shown promising improvements.

Despite these successes, committee members acknowledged that proficiency rates remain a concern. Currently, only about one in three K-12 students in Tennessee are proficient across grades and subjects, with even lower rates among high school students. The committee emphasized the need for continued focus on raising these proficiency rates to ensure that all students are prepared for future success.

Looking ahead, the committee outlined ambitious goals aimed at improving educational outcomes by 2030. These goals include increasing third-grade literacy proficiency from 41% to 71% and seventh-grade math proficiency from 38% to 58%, based on the premise that just one additional student per classroom could achieve proficiency each year. The committee also aims to boost post-secondary enrollment rates and completion rates, recognizing the critical role of education in fostering economic independence.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted Tennessee's educational achievements while also addressing the challenges that lie ahead. The committee's commitment to continuous improvement reflects a broader understanding that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure that every student in Tennessee has the opportunity to succeed.